Legislative Update
We are now well into March at the Capitol, and legislative deadlines are approaching quickly. That means committees are working through long hearing schedules and lawmakers are making decisions about which proposals will move forward this session.
While there are many issues being debated in St. Paul, one thing I continue to hear loud and clear from folks back home is that Minnesota is becoming too expensive. Families, seniors, and small business owners across our region are feeling the pressure from rising costs, higher taxes, and excessive mandates that come with unintended consequences.
Making Minnesota More Affordable
Affordability continues to be one of the top concerns I hear from folks across our district. Families, workers, and small businesses are feeling the pressure of rising costs, and it is clear that many Minnesotans are being asked to stretch their budgets further than ever before. The Legislature has an opportunity this session to take meaningful steps that help ease that burden.
House Republicans have introduced several proposals aimed at helping Minnesotans keep more of the money they earn while encouraging economic growth across our state. These ideas include eliminating state taxes on overtime and tips so workers can keep more of their paychecks, as well as aligning Minnesota’s tax code with federal provisions that make it easier for businesses to grow and invest.
Other proposals would allow businesses to deduct more of the cost of equipment and other investments in the year they are purchased, while also expanding the ability for businesses to deduct interest expenses. These changes are designed to free up capital so companies can reinvest in employees, expand their operations, and create more jobs here in Minnesota.
Small businesses continue to struggle under the weight of costly mandates and burdensome regulations coming out of St. Paul. Last session, I worked to push through permitting reform, and I plan to continue advancing policies that make Minnesota more competitive and remove unnecessary hurdles that stand in the way of small businesses.
Press Conference: Our Plan to Make Minnesota Affordable
At the same time, some proposals being discussed at the Capitol would move Minnesota in the opposite direction. Minnesota Democrats talk a lot about affordability while continuing to pitch ideas that would drive costs even higher for middle-class families.
Take for instance: Democrats proposal to 5x the cost of car tab fees...
I will continue working with my colleagues to advance practical policies that lower costs, support small businesses, and make Minnesota a place where families can live, work, and succeed.
Taking Steps Toward Greater Transparency
One example of progress came this week with the passage of House File 3378.
The other week I shared concerns about the heavily redacted and extremely costly Optum report, which reviewed 14 high risk programs within the Department of Human Services and offered recommendations for preventing fraud in the future. Unfortunately, large portions of the report were withheld from the legislature.
The bill requires the Commissioner of Human Services to release the unredacted initial Optum reports so that legislators can review the findings and use that information when crafting policies to prevent fraud.
This may not be the big flashy win many people are hoping for, but when it comes to stopping the flow of taxpayer dollars into the hands of criminals, transparency is an essential first step. Lawmakers cannot fix problems if we are prevented from seeing the full picture.
Pictured Below: Redacted Optum Report
Thank You
I will continue working with my friends in the legislature to support policies that strengthen our local economy, reduce unnecessary burdens on small businesses, and ensure families across our region can continue to live, work, and build their future here in Minnesota.
Thank you for staying engaged throughout this session and please don't hesitate to reach out to me with question, ideas, or concerns as we move forward.
Have a great weekend and stay safe.
Theres a big storm coming in.
- Josh